APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING DRUG ADMINISTRATION - According to aspects of the invention provided are apparatus, systems and methods for monitoring the presence/absence of syringes within a storage unit and monitoring the amount of drugs that are discharged from syringes when they are not within the storage unit. Monitoring the presence/absence of syringes within the storage unit is accomplished using a combination of imaging sensors and a RFID tag reader. The method includes detecting and decoding signals from RFID tags to determine which syringes are present/absent from the storage unit and the times at which syringes are removed and returned to the storage unit The method also includes collecting visual information with respect to when syringes are removed and returned to the storage unit. The timing information from the RFID reader and the imaging sensors are compared to resolve the identification of syringes. Once the timing information from the RFID reader and the imaging sensors is resolved so as to identify specific syringes, the visual information can be used to calculate the amount of a drug discharged from each syringe.

2008-11-27

20080289974

Hat box - The hat box is a generally square or rectangular box with a lid dimensioned and configured for holding a hat. The hat box is provided with windows for viewing the contents of the box without having to open the lid. The hat box is further provided with a card holder and an identification card held by the card holder for identifying the contents and/or owner of the hat box. A pouch on the underside of the lid of the box provides a convenient place to store spare cards. The sidewalls and the bottom of the box are provided with pairs of slits for accommodating a flexible strap, which is wrapped around the box and tied over the top of the box. The strap keeps the lid on and serves as a handle for carrying the box, and may be used to bundle a plurality of boxes together.

2008-11-27

20080289975

Spill Resistant Container and Toy - A spill resistant container assembly having a container adapted to contain a fluid, such as a bubble solution is provided. A generally elastic concave seal member extends across an opening of the container so as to aid in preventing the fluid from spilling out of the container, if the container is knocked over or held in an inverted position. The seal member has a slit capable of receiving the first end of a fluid carrier member such as a bubble wand. The elasticity of the seal member holds the slit in a normally closed position to prevent spilling.

2008-11-27

20080289976

Container attachable to another container for mixing ingredients - A chamber member for containing a flavored powder or cereal for attaching to a container containing spring water or milk respectively in a manner for mixing the ingredients. The chamber member is molded to define a port extending therein and having a threaded cylindrical wall for threadedly receiving a threaded neck of the container. The chamber member has a portion which is integral with the cylindrical wall and sealingly closes an inner end of the port. The chamber member has a score line formed into and extending partially around the portion thereby defining a breakaway disc having an unscored hinge portion. The breakaway disc is slanted relative to the port cylindrical wall to allow initial contact by the neck with the breakaway disc at a location opposite the unscored hinge portion as the neck is threadedly advanced in the port to allow mixing of the ingredients. Instructions are provided for mixing the ingredients, including instructions on how to locate a suitable container.

REUSABLE UNDERWEAR STORAGE CONTAINER BOX - A reusable stackable storage container for housing, organizing and/or displaying at least one item including a top side casing, a bottom side casing, a first cup-like protrusion formed on the top side casing, a second cup-like protrusion formed on the bottom side casing, and at least one sidewall formed to the bottom side casing, where a cavity between the first cup-like protrusion and the second cup-like protrusion is adapted to receive the at least one item when the container is closed. The container further may comprise a selectively engageable fastening mechanism formed on the top side casing and bottom side casing to open and close the container. A support structure may be formed on a sidewall to provide additional support when the container is standing vertically on the at least one sidewall. Two or more containers can be nestably stacked one into the other, the first cup-like protrusion of one container fitting into the second cup-like protrusion of another container.

2008-11-27

20080289979

Garment Bag - A garment bag for a collared shirt, the bag comprising a receptacle (

2008-11-27

20080289980

Injection Moulded Container - A method of making an injection moulded container for housing information storage media, e.g. a DVD, the container having a base portion (

Ball storage bag - A novel storage bag for use with a sports ball and related equipment or clothing is disclosed, where the storage bag includes a storage portion for retaining the ball and a lower compartment portion for retaining shoes. The storage bag of the present invention has a defined footprint for the compatible insertion of the storage bag in a gym or school locker. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the footprint is approximately 14 inches in depth and approximately 9 inches in width.

2008-11-27

20080289983

PORTABLE DISPLAY CONTAINER FOR HAIR CLIPPERS - A case for receiving and retaining a plurality of barbers' hair clippers has a flat bottom with raised peripheral walls, a section of which has an array of notches defined in its upper edge to receive and engage electric cords extending beyond the case to connect to wall sockets. The clippers are retained side-by-side in one compartment separated by partitions from other compartments containing other barber's accessories. A lid is pivotably attached to the case to close the case during transport of the retained items. The lid has a mirror on its interior surface and is selectively removable from the case. The clippers are retained in sufficiently spaced relation to permit the cords to be folded or coiled and stored in the clipper compartment during transport.

2008-11-27

20080289984

CONTAINER FOR AN AUTOMATIC INJECTOR - A container for an automatic injector provides safe, quick, and easy access to an automatic injector stored therein. The container includes tactile features that allow a user to easily determine the orientation of the container by feel alone. A hinged cap with an automatic spring assist feature allows a user to single-handedly open the container quickly and easily to remove the injector from the container without interference from the cap. The container is structured to receive the automatic injector needle end first and has a puncture resistant bottom to prevent the needle of the injector from piercing through the body wall of the container. The container also provides safe storage of a discharged automatic injector, with the hinged cap spring assist feature automatically closing the cap enough to prevent the discharged injector from falling out of the container.

2008-11-27

20080289985

Pin tip covering device - A device includes an outer body and an inner region defined by the outer body. The inner region may have a first end having an opening therein and a second end. The inner region may comprise a first portion and a second portion, the first portion positioned adjacent to the first end, the second portion positioned adjacent to the first portion and the second end. The first portion may be shaped to define a pin receiving portion for receiving the tip of a pin. The first portion may be comprised of a first material having a first density, while the second portion may be comprised of a second material having a second density. The first portion may contain a non-linear inner surface bounding the pin receiving portion. The inner surface may contain one or more protrusions extending therefrom, on one or both sides.

2008-11-27

20080289986

Overwrap Packed Body, Perforated Line Forming Method and Perforated Line Forming Apparatus - An overwrap packed body is obtained by heating and shrinking a wrapping material in a condition that five drink products collectively wrapped by the wrapping material. Three perforated lines passing through gap portions between the adjacent drink products are formed on the wrapping material at an interval of 2 mm in parallel. When the three perforated line portions are pushed with fingers in the gap portion between the adjacent drink products, the wrapping material torn from the pushed portion in a vertical direction. Thus, the packed drink products DG can be easily taken out one by one.

2008-11-27

20080289987

Disposable containers package - A disposable containers package includes a plurality of identical disposable containers, and an identification arrangement. Each of the disposable containers has a container body defining a receiving cavity. The identification arrangement includes a plurality of identification badges formed on main container bodies of the disposable containers respectively, wherein each of the identification badges contains a unique identification element formed on the corresponding identification badge for uniquely identifying the corresponding disposable container so as to render each of the disposable containers recognizable by several users thereof through the unique identification element.

2008-11-27

20080289988

ELASTOMERIC FOAM FOR OBJECT STORAGE - An object storage device with at least one first section made of elastomeric foam and including a first side surface, and at least one second section made of elastomeric foam and including a second side surface is provided. The second side surface of the second section is positioned adjacent to the first side surface of the first section to define a slit region between the sections for object storage. In some embodiments of the invention, the device includes a slit indicator that indicates the position of the slit region.

2008-11-27

20080289989

SEALED BLISTER ASSEMBLY - A sealed blister assembly is made tip of a blister sheet, a lid sheet, and a label sheet. The plastic sheet and plastic lid are joined together to form a substantially impermeable seal. The seal is formed by engagement of an undercut in the plastic sheet and a shoulder in the plastic lid. A plastic sheet and/or plastic lid are made from a polymer such as low density polyethylene to obtain the impermeable seal. The label sheet is secured directly to the blister and lid sheets.

2008-11-27

20080289990

Paint tray with integrated transport handle - A paint tray with integrated transport handle with a frame with a retractable handle. The handle consists of a shaft that retracts and protract from the frame, and a handle part with a built-in cradle to receive and hold a handle stick. The frame has a hook to hold a trimming brush and is rotationally attached at each side of the paint tray.

2008-11-27

20080289991

Disposable Safety "Patient Kit" for Medical Devices - The invention concerns a new disposable package for test tubes, vials (O) and/or other medical devices for use by hospitals or other health facilities, comprising a container (C) provided with an aperture (A) for the insertion of said test tubes, vials (O) and/or medical devices in general, and at least one element (F) for closing and/or sealing said aperture (A), and wherein said element (F) is provided with the identification data (S) of the patient, etc. Said closing and identification element (F) is an adhesive sheet with tab (L), on which said patient identification data (S) can be provided, together with one or more incisions or perforation (P) and/or other systems for tear-opening of at least a part (F

2008-11-27

20080289992

Kit for Making Decorative Structures and Method Relating Thereto - A kit for making a decorative structure is presented. The kit comprises a three-dimensional primary support structure having a shape of a structure. The primary support structure has at lease one panel receiving slot. The kit further comprises at lease one panel. Each panel has at least one panel tab extending therefrom. Each panel is of a shape corresponding to a portion of the primary support structure. A method for making decorative structures using the kit is also presented. In practicing the method, at least one panel, having a pliable material affixed thereto, is affixed to the three-dimensional primary support structure by inserting a panel tab into a panel receiving slot.

2008-11-27

20080289993

Apparatus for assisting in the changing of diapers - The apparatus includes a first compartment for storing and heating baby wipes, a second compartment for storing plastic bags for use as dirty diaper bags, a first fluid receptacle for holding and dispensing hand-lotion, a second fluid receptacle for holding and dispensing anti-bacterial lotion, and a tube receiving and squeezing mechanism that can hold one of a variety of tubes and that can squeeze cream such as diaper rash ointment from the tube.

2008-11-27

20080289994

Display Carton - Provided is a unitary blank cut from a single sheet of paperboard stock and an improved display carton assembled from the unitary blank that efficiently utilizes the paperboard stock from which it is fabricated. The display carton includes an enclosure having an interior volume adapted to contain a product and a single-ply backer board on which the enclosure is supported. The paperboard stock from which the unitary blank is cut requires only one treated surface adapted to high-quality printing to provided high-resolution product indicia on all the display surfaces of the display carton that are presented to a consumer at a point of sale.

2008-11-27

20080289995

Method of storing for shipment prismatic objects such as laptop computer casings - A method of storing a plurality of objects being of an identical prismatic shape and stored within an open top storage container in an up-right, compact side-by-side relationship. Each object is placed forming an acute angle with respect to both adjacent objects, so that one corner portion thereof projects from between the adjacent objects and hence is easily accessible for retrieval from the container. The container has a bottom, side-walls and an open top for storing objects having an identical prismatic shape. The bottom of the container is formed so as to staggerly recline each object in relative opposite directions.

2008-11-27

20080289996

HYDROPROCESSING IN MULTIPLE BEDS WITH INTERMEDIATE FLASH ZONES - The instant invention comprises a hydroprocessing method having at least two stages. The first stage employs a hydroprocessing catalyst which may contain hydrotreating catalyst, hydrocracking catalyst, or a combination of both. The subsequent stage is limited to hydrocracking. Conversion in subsequent stages may be improved by the addition of multiple reaction zones for hydrocracking, with flash separation zones between the stages. Middle distillate yield is thereby increased and the volume of the recycle stream is reduced. This invention reduces the need for equipment which would normally be required for a large recycle stream.

2008-11-27

20080289997

PROCESS FOR CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS - A novel process for cracking olefins including contacting a hydrocarbon oil with a catalyst in a riser reactor having multiple reaction zones under cracking reaction conditions; separating reaction products and the catalyst; regenerating at least a part of spent catalyst obtained, contacting a part of the regenerated catalyst with the hydrocarbon in the first reaction zone; contacting the other part of the spent catalyst and/or regenerated catalyst in at least one reaction zone after the first reaction zone with the products obtained in previous reaction zones.

2008-11-27

20080289998

Fuel composition - Unleaded blend compositions, as well as formulated gasolines containing them have a Motor Octane Number (MON) of at least 80 comprising either:

2008-11-27

20080289999

Process for Pre-Refining Crude Oil with Moderate Multi-Step Hydroconversion of Virgin Asphalt in the Presence of Diluent - For pre-refining a crude oil P, which P is fractionated into several fractions, typically hydrotreating, hydrocracking or hydroconverting some thereof, then re-composing said fractions and in general producing at least two pre-refined oils Pa, Pc, Pa being a high quality non-asphaltenic oil and Pc being a residual oil. The process typically comprises at least one initial distillation step and one deasphalting step SDA with a solvent with a molecular weight of at least 50 to separate a deasphalted oil DAO from a virgin asphalt stream AS. AS is hydroconverted in at least 2 ebullated bed reactors in series, with a moderate conversion of less than 56%, mixed with a virgin diluent comprising light fractions. The DAO is typically hydrocracked with a limited conversion of less than 80%.

2008-11-27

20080290000

Coking Apparatus and Process for Oil-Containing Solids - A process for upgrading unconventional or heavy oils such as, tar sands, shale oil, or bitumen. This process may include a coking scheme in which oil-containing solids, of suitable size, are fed directly into the riser of an FCC unit. Contacting a hot stream of solids causes vaporization and produces a gaseous product stream. The gaseous product may be separated out in a separating vessel and coked or unconverted oil-containing solids may be transferred to a gasifier for combustion at high temperatures to remove the coke and residual oil. Syngas from the gasifier may be converted to hydrogen using a water gas shift reaction. The hydrogen may be used for hydroprocessing.

2008-11-27

20080290001

Heavy Material Separator - The present invention refers to a separator for separating heavy material components, particularly stones, ceramic material and glass, from a flow of solid material comprising heavy and light material components, comprising a first conveying means for conveying the flow of solid material, a second conveying means provided for conveying the non-separated material components of the flow of solid material downstream of the first conveying means, a flexible means arranged between the downstream end of the first conveying means and the upstream end of the second conveying means and which is formed such that the light material components are conveying from the first conveying means past the flexible means to the second conveying means and the heavy material components leave the flow of solid material in front of the upstream end of the second conveying means (

2008-11-27

20080290002

Safety Device for Sieving Granular Material - In a screening device for sorting granular material with at least one rotatable rod basket and a downstream fine material separator a cyclone-type eddy separator is attached with the smaller diameter of its housing cone in order to draw off the screening gas flow charged with fine material and flowing out due to twisting energy in such a way that the rod basket screening device and the separator form a compact unit. A submerged pipe is located in the center of the cyclone-type eddy separator for drawing off the screening gas flow freed of fine material. At least one opening is provided for discharging the fine material at the periphery of the eddy separator housing.

2008-11-27

20080290003

Product flow control apparatus for sorting - A product flow control apparatus for use in sorting of products, and particularly relatively small products. The apparatus includes a reservoir of products to be sorted, a flow-rate control passage at which a flow restrictor limits the flow rate of products passing to a slide before imaging by a product viewer and sorting by ejector. A flow valve operates to provide products to a flow-rate control passage at a flow rate at which the product viewer and the ejector can operate.

2008-11-27

20080290004

SYSTEM FOR TESTING AND SORTING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS - A sorting system is provided for electronic components such as LED devices which includes a testing station for testing and determining a characteristic of each electronic component. A first tray has a plurality of receptacles for receiving tested electronic components and a second tray has more receptacles than the first tray for receiving tested electronic components. Electronic components comprising tested characteristics that occur with greater frequency are loaded into the receptacles of the first tray and electronic components comprising tested characteristics that occur with lower frequency are loaded into the receptacles of the second tray.

2008-11-27

20080290005

CONFIGURABLE INTELLIGENT CONVEYOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method includes deducting selected ones of a plurality of products from a first sorting and/or sequencing system to a conveying system, and determining data including at least one of: a predicted position of each of the selected ones of the plurality of products within the conveying system, and speed and direction of conveyors of the conveying system. The method also includes controlling movement of the selected ones of the plurality of products through the conveying system by controlling speed and direction of the conveyors based upon the determined data, and inducting the selected ones of the plurality of products onto a second sorting and/or sequencing system.

2008-11-27

20080290006

Systems and methods for optimizing a single-stream materials recovery facility - Systems and methods for sorting a plurality of recyclable items in a single-stream materials recovery facility (SSMRF) are provided. In some embodiments, a system includes an infeed conveying system, a fiber transfer conveyor, a container transfer conveyor, and a glass sorting and conveying system. The system further includes a controller configured to obtain total weight and volume of recyclable items at the infeed conveying system. The controller estimates a percent weight of fiber items and a percent weight of non-fiber items relative to the total weight. Based on the estimates, the controller controls speed of at least one of the infeed conveying system, the fiber transfer conveyor, the container transfer conveyor, and the glass sorting and conveying system.

2008-11-27

20080290007

CENTRIFUGAL LENGTH SEPARATION OF CARBON NANOTUBES - Processes for separating carbon nanotubes according to their length are described. The processes involve forming highly dispersed systems of the nanotubes followed by creating an array of layers in a centrifugation vessel. Each layer contains dispersed nanotubes with varying proportions of a density adjusting agent. The vessel array includes a first layer containing the nanotubes to be separated, and one or more layers of lesser density disposed above the first layer. Upon centrifuging for a sufficient period of time, a series of liquid fractions form in the vessel. The average length of nanotubes in a respective fraction is different than the average length of nanotubes in the other fractions.

2008-11-27

20080290008

Cyclone with in-situ replaceable liner system and method for accomplishing same - Cyclones having an inlet housing and depending conical housing with abrasion resistant liners and a mechanism for replacing the worn out liners without having to remove the cyclones from their working positions and disassembling them. Liner segments are provided in the inlet housing for easy removal and a lifting ring is provided in the bottom end of the conical housing for supporting a stack of liners and an apex cone. Hoisting straps on the lifting ring are used to lift the ring and the stacked liners out of the opened top of the cyclone. A modified cyclone is also disclosed having an open-sided conical housing with special metal reinforced liners in the conical housing and such liners are used as the inlet housing and cover in place of the conventional all metal components. Plural compression applying devices load the liners and apex cone in sealed engagement with each other.

2008-11-27

20080290009

Water Softening Device - A water softening device comprises a salt chamber, a metering chamber, and a softening chamber. The salt chamber holds salt, while the metering chamber holds brine. The softening chamber holds water softening material, such as zeolite beads. An input is in fluid communication with the salt chamber for producing brine. The input may be coupled with a shower outlet or other structure. An output is in fluid communication with the softening chamber to communicate softened water from the system through a shower head or other device. The salt chamber and metering chamber may be positioned such that the salt chamber communicates brine upwardly into the metering chamber against the influence of gravity. The salt chamber may be positioned lateral to the softening chamber. The metering chamber may be substantially fluidly isolated from the softening chamber as water is communicated from the input to the softening chamber.

2008-11-27

20080290010

OIL WATER COALESCING SEPARATOR - An oil water coalescing separator has a coalescing chamber containing oil coalescing media. The separator is preferably substantially transparent so that the thickness of the band of coalesced tramp oil can be visually discerned at a glance. The separator preferably has a magnet base so the separator can be hung on a machine off the floor. The separator is also removable from the magnet base.

2008-11-27

20080290011

WIRELESS LIQUID LEVEL SENSING ASSEMBLIES AND GRINDER PUMP ASSEMBLIES EMPLOYING THE SAME - A liquid level sensing assembly employs an inductive or magnetic coupling to wirelessly communicate a plurality of signals based on a changing level of wastewater in a tank to a first coil of a pump/alarm control circuit in the grinder pump. The assembly includes at least one liquid level sensor operable in response to the changing level of the wastewater, a second coil positionable adjacent to the first coil in the grinder pump, and a transponder for extracting electrical energy using the second coil in response to the first coil. The transponder is operably connected to the at least one liquid level sensor and operable to wirelessly transmit from the second coil to the first coil the plurality of signals based on the state of the at least one liquid level sensor due to the changing level of the wastewater in the tank.

2008-11-27

20080290012

Water Discharge Pipe and Drain Head Assembly Structure - A water discharge pipe and drain head assembly structure that, by means of a matched drain head inner diameter bore, seal ring shape, and clamp ring, enables the utilization of a simple stomp operated, additionally fabricated, foot-driven component which is sleeved into the inner diameter bore of the drain head to shove down the clamp ring a predetermined distance and thereby compress and deform the seal ring such that a tightly sealed contact is established against a water discharge pipe inserted through them. The arrangement effectively affords optimal watertight anti-seepage efficacy between the water discharge pipe and the drain head, fully solving the numerous problems and shortcomings of the conventional threaded-type mounting ring.

2008-11-27

20080290013

Oil filter apparatus - The invention relates to an oil filter apparatus comprising an oil inlet and an oil outlet, with a suction oil pump being connectable to the oil outlet with which a negative pressure can be produced between the oil inlet (and the oil outlet, a coarse filter medium and a fine filter medium which is arranged between the oil inlet and the oil outlet, with the oil filter apparatus being capable of allowing a volume share of the oil to pass permanently through the coarse filter medium irrespective of the viscosity of an oil passing through the oil inlet and of allowing at the same time the remaining volume share of the oil to pass through the fine filter medium. The entire oil volume flow can thus be purified in a short period of time with high efficiency, and no additional space is required outside of the transmission or engine, a light and cost-effective configuration is achieved, and the oil filter apparatus can be used in different vehicle models or types of engines without any change and thus without any reduction in the variety of variants.

2008-11-27

20080290014

Power Aquarium Cleaning and Gravel Vacuum - A gravel vacuum, including a pump, a detachable suction base connected to the pump to which a suction tube can be attached, a filter connected to the suction base, a return assembly, at least one valve, and an alternate flow path. The pump impels a flow of water from the suction base, through the filter, and out the return assembly. The valve permits adjustment of volume of the flow for different sizes of fish aquariums. The alternate flow path reduces back pressure on the pump when the valve is used to adjust the volume of the flow. Also, a method of using the gravel vacuum.

2008-11-27

20080290015

Waste water filtering system - A wastewater filtering system is provided for the passage of the wastewater from the home to the septic tanks prior to passage to the drain fields. The system comprises a separate septic tank assembly and a grease trap assembly operatively adapted to receive the wastewater from the home prior to the passage of the wastewater into the drain fields. Septic tank assembly and grease trap assembly are specifically configured to separate the filtering of waste water from the kitchen from the sewage from the bathrooms to prevent the clogging of the entire filtering system.

2008-11-27

20080290016

SUPPORTING STRUCTURES FOR PREPARATIVE CHROMATOGRAPHY COLUMNS - The plunger used as the upper enclosure in a preparative chromatography column is suspended by one or more rods that are supported by a frame through coupling connections on the frame that can fix the position of the rod(s) relative to the frame, while the position of the rod(s) is controlled by a motorized drive system that is suspended above the column. The drive system is mounted either to the column lid or to a functional plate positioned a short distance above the column lid. These constructions allow the plunger to be raised and lowered so that the column and its parts can be exchanged, all without the need for a hoist or crane.

2008-11-27

20080290017

Connection device for hydraulic circuit - The present invention relates to a connecting element for hydraulic circuits. The device comprises a body provided with one channel having an inlet section and an outlet section, the channel being connectable with a fluid supply line, said body being further provided with an aperture which opens, to the outside, into a seat located in the channel. The devices also comprises a filter element insertable in a removable manner into the seat, through the aperture, in order to intercept the fluid in the channel. Advantageously the filter element is defined by at least two portions, coupled with angled or radiused joints to define an internal volume, one portion having a different geometry from the other.

Scavenging Filter - A scavenging filter includes a volume containing activated beads or fiber particles of a scavenging material housed in a removable housing in a cartridge filter body having an axial inlet extending to a space below a permeable false bottom, the fluid permeating upwards through the material, and cleaned liquor leaving via an annular space surrounding the chamber.

2008-11-27

20080290020

METHOD FOR MAKING ORIENTED SINGLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBE/;POLYMER NANO-COMPOSITE MEMBRANES - Nano-composite membranes and methods for making them are described. The nano-composite membranes a made from a layer of oriented carbon nanotubes fixed in a polymeric matrix. Methods for efficient, facile, and inexpensive fabrication of the nano-composite membranes using a filtration method are also described. The carbon nanotubes may also be modified with chemical functional groups to promote their orientation in the carbon nanotube layer or to confer to them other properties.

2008-11-27

20080290021

Composite Membrane and Its Use in Separation Processes - The invention is directed to a composite ceramic/polymer membrane. The invention is further directed to the use of a composite membrane in pervaporation processes. According to the present invention there is provided a composite membrane comprising a support and a separation layer that comprises a rubbery polymer, wherein an intermediate layer is present between the separation layer and the support.

Induced vortex particle separator - The induced vortex particle separator is a device for separating solid particulate matter from a liquid containing such particulate matter. The liquid enters a housing through an inlet port and is driven about a helical vane to form a helical flow path. Upon exiting the helical vane, the liquid is received within a central portion of the housing where a centralized structure including an annular stator and an inverted diffuser cone drive the liquid to form a free vortex. Under centrifugal force, the solid particulate matter is separated from the liquid and flows, under the force of gravity, into a lower region of the housing. Due to a negative pressure differential, the liquid is driven upwards within an inner cylindrical shell mounted within the housing to flow into a siphon for output through an outlet port.

2008-11-27

20080290024

METHODS FOR REDUCING BIOSOLIDS ODORS - A method for reducing the odors of an anaerobically digested dewatered biosolids or other biosolids or sludge may include separating first anaerobically digested dewatered biosolids into first and second portions, storing second anaerobically digested dewatered biosolids, removing a portion of the second biosolids, and mixing the removed second biosolids portion with the first portion of the first biosolids. The method may be implemented in a system including a separation device, first, second and third transporters, a storage area, and a mixer. The separation device may separate the first biosolids into first and second portions. The first transporter may transport the first portion to the mixer. The second transporter may transport the second portion to the storage area. The storage area may store the second portion for a select time period. The third transporter may transport a portion of the stored first biosolids to the mixer for blending.

2008-11-27

20080290025

Combination Membrane/Biolytic Filtration - Described herein are methods and systems for combination membrane/biolytic filtration. In one embodiment a filtration system is operated under suction. The arrangement includes a feed tan (

2008-11-27

20080290026

Method and Apparatus for Aeration of Liquid Medium - An apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid comprising a dome, lower housing, aerator device and flotation device, wherein intermeshed rotating sets of discs operate on parallel shafts driven by variable speed drives, and strakes are radially mounted on the discs to carry liquid up into a mixing area and to carry air and liquid down into a mixing area resulting in a shear force that drives air into the oxygen depleted liquid. The dome and lower housing create an air tight space, wherein the barometric pressure is raised by a blower, in order to pop foam bubbles and allow for optimum mixing of air into the oxygen depleted liquid, and intake and discharge openings of the lower housing are positioned beneath the liquid line, thereby preventing the escape of foam, noise and odorous gases into the local environment.

2008-11-27

20080290027

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING SOLUTE FROM A SOLID SOLUTE-BEARING PRODUCT - The process and apparatus are for removing a solute from a solute-bearing solid product by means of a solvent which remains in liquid state throughout the entire oil extraction process. In one embodiment, the solvent is normally in gazeous state at ambient temperature and pressure values, but is used mainly in liquid state within the method and apparatus of the present invention by maintaining such pressure and temperature values within the apparatus so that the solvent will remain in this liquid state.

2008-11-27

20080290028

Stationary Phase and Column Using Cucurbituril Bonded Silica Gel, and Separation Method of Taxol Using the Column - Provided are a stationary phase and a column using a cucurbituril-bound silica gel, and a method of separating taxane using the column. The taxane separation method includes: preparing a column for taxane separation, the column being packed with a stationary phase including a cucurbituril-bound silica gel in which a cucurbituril represented by Formula 1 or 2 is covalently bound to a modified silica gel represented by Formula 3; dissolving a taxane powder in a solvent to prepare a taxane-containing solution; applying the taxane-containing solution to the column; supplying a mobile-phase solvent to the column to obtain a taxane extract from the column; and purifying taxane from the taxane extract. Therefore, highly purified taxane can be separated from a low-purity crude taxane extract.

2008-11-27

20080290029

Method for Removing Organic Matter from Water and a Device for Carrying Out Said Method - A system and method is provided for removing organic matter from water. The method includes contacting the water with a powdered material with an anionic or cationic surface charge and having a particle size of between 0.1 mm and 2 mm. The powdered material is a modified product of natural origin. The system and method also provides for the regeneration of the powdered material in situ and reused.

2008-11-27

20080290030

System and Method for Treatment of Acidic Wastewater - A method for removing contaminants from an influent wastewater stream includes initially chemically adjusting a pH of the influent wastewater stream to less than about 3.5 or maintaining the pH of the influent stream at less than about 3.5. After initially adjusting or maintaining the pH of the influent wastewater stream, the wastewater is directed to a first reverse osmosis system and contaminants are removed from the wastewater. The wastewater is then directed to a second reverse osmosis where additional contaminants are removed from the wastewater. After the wastewater has been subjected to treatment in the first reverse osmosis system and prior to treatment in the second reverse osmosis system, the pH of the wastewater is adjusted upwardly.

2008-11-27

20080290031

Spacer for Filter Modules - In order to provide a spacer for filter modules which may be used not only for plate and frame filter modules, but also for spiral wound-type filter modules and which allows high packing densities while providing optimized cleanability, a spacer for filter modules is proposed to be disposed between two layers of a filter medium, said spacer comprising an essentially flat structured sheet material having upper and lower projections on the upper and lower surfaces thereof, respectively, said upper and lower projections defining an upper and lower bearing face for the layers of filter medium, wherein said projections rise from said upper and lower surfaces with wall portions and terminate in top portions, said upper and lower projections being spaced from each other in a direction parallel to the surface of the sheet material.

2008-11-27

20080290032

Submersible reverse osmosis desalination apparatus and method - An submersible desalination unit composed of a structure containing a water intake system for acquiring sea water, a sea water pre-filtration system for removing lager contaminants and debris, a reverse osmosis system for the purification of the water, a permeate transfer system to carry the water to where it will be used, a power source for powering the equipment used in the process and a control system that operates and monitors the equipment and process of removing salt from the water and transferring the desalinated water to other use and returning the brine solution to the sea.

2008-11-27

20080290033

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECOVERY OF WATER CONTAINING SILICA - Disclosed are embodiments of a method and apparatus for the treatment of water containing silica in order to recover as much treated water from a water source as possible while minimizing the generation of waste products. Other embodiments include removing specific elements from the water source and utilizing those elements. Embodiments of the method and apparatus uses in-line physical and physio-chemical treatment methods to remove potential biological, colloidal and hardness foulants continually so that there is minimal loss of water from the water source stream and minimal addition of chemicals to accomplish removal or reduction of these potential recovery-limiting foulants.

2008-11-27

20080290034

Bridged macrocyclic module compositions - This invention is related to the fields of organic chemistry and nanotechnology. In particular, it relates to materials and methods for the preparation of organic synthons and bridged macrocyclic module compounds. The bridged macrocyclic module compounds may be used to prepare macrocyclic compositions such as nanofilms, which may be useful for filtration.

2008-11-27

20080290035

Method and Sorbant for Removing Contaminates From Water - A method for removing dissolved contaminants, such as arsenate, from water by the step of contacting a sorbant with the water, the sorbant comprising more than ten weight percent of an oxide of titanium and more than one tenth weight percent of a sulfate salt, such as calcium sulfate, having a solubility in water at room temperature of less than 0.5 grams per liter of water, wherein the oxide of titanium is primarily titanium dioxide.

Magnetic hydrocarbon treatment device and method - A magnetic treatment of hydrocarbon fuel flowing through a fuel conduit. A plurality of magnets with repelling polarity is used in affecting the fuel structure and alternating said structure by aligning the hydrocarbons in a parallel uniform manner to increase combustion efficiency thus increasing power while reducing pollutants and exhaust emissions.

2008-11-27

20080290039

Control system - An apparatus and method for controlling a water characteristic of a body of water by controlling the cyclic release of a water characteristic material into the body of water with or without the system being responsive to a level of the water characteristic in the body of water with the system capable of being controlled from a display or from a wireless control module or both.

2008-11-27

20080290040

Methods and Apparatus for Foam Control in a Vacuum Filtration System - A flow diverter, vacuum control and tilting of the liquid filtering system are used alternatively or in conjunction to reduce foam production in a filtered liquid sample. A liquid filtering system includes an upper sample reservoir, a filter and a lower storage bottle. A vacuum is applied below the sample filter to draw sample liquid through the sample filter into the storage bottle. A flow diverter may be used to direct flow of the filtered liquid sample onto a sidewall of the storage bottle or guide flow to a bottom of the storage bottle. The vacuum may be regulated to reduce foaming. The liquid filtering system may be tilted to direct fluid to the sidewall of the lower storage bottle and reduce foaming.

2008-11-27

20080290041

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR EFFICIENT OPERATION OF AN ABATEMENT SYSTEM - A method of operating an electronic device manufacturing system is provided which includes the steps of receiving information with an interface, wherein the information relates to an abatement system, and shutting down a process tool and an abatement tool in response to the information.

2008-11-27

20080290042

Pollutant Control for Inlet Protection - A pollutant control apparatus for mounting in a grate frame used for protecting a water inlet comprising a basin frame and a flexible basin. The basin frame is adapted for disposition upon the grate frame. The flexible basin affixed to the basin frame is made of an open mesh material. In a curb and gutter water inlet, the pollutant control apparatus can optionally further comprise a fabric filter and an inset. The fabric filter is disposed substantially within the flexible basin frame for collecting sediment. The inset is disposed adjacent to the basin frame for securing the fabric filter against the basin frame. The present invention can also be used in a manhole water inlet. In another embodiment of the invention where the water inlet further comprises a shaft disposed under the grate frame, the basin frame further comprises an extension member affixed to the basin frame. The extension member is adapted for attachment to the water inlet shaft.

2008-11-27

20080290043

Directional Microporous Diffuser and Directional Sparging - A method for treating contaminates includes delivering a stream of a fluid to a directional microporous diffuser that has a sidewall with microscopic openings and has a partitioned interior region to effect discharge of microbubbles from less than the entire sidewall portion of the directional microporous diffuser at any particular interval of time. The directional microporous diffuser described include an elongated member providing the sidewall, the sidewall defining an interior portion of said member and coupled to the first inlet port and a partition member that divides the interior of the elongated member into plural, mutually isolated regions. End caps are disposed to seal ends of the directional microporous diffuser.

2008-11-27

20080290044

Chlorine Dioxide-Based Water Treatment System For On-Board Ship Applications - An on-board ship water treatment system includes such features as drinking water purification and ballast water treatment. The on-board ship water treatment system includes an on-board ship water treatment vessel. A chlorine dioxide generator is fluidly connected to the on-board ship water treatment vessel. The chlorine dioxide generator includes a chlorine dioxide gas source and an absorption loop for effecting the dissolution of chlorine dioxide into a liquid stream. The absorption loop is fluidly connected to the chlorine dioxide gas source. A gas transfer assembly is interposed between the chlorine dioxide gas source and the absorption loop.

2008-11-27

20080290045

Process and apparatus for water decontamination - Apparatus and method relating to water decontamination, and more particularly, to removing NDMA and other organic contaminants from water using ultraviolet light in combination with ozone or ozone and peroxide, are described.

2008-11-27

20080290046

Control system - A control system comprising a timer based controller and a valve wherein the timer-based controller has a fixed period and the timer based controller regularly cycles the valve between a first condition and a second condition with the first portion of the cycle directing a first flow of water through a dispensable material and the remaining portion of the cycle directing a lesser flow of water through the dispensable material.

2008-11-27

20080290047

Method and apparatus for filtering flowable material - A method and filter element for filtering flowable material. The filter element includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and a middle plate sandwiched therebetween. The top plate includes a first outlet to receive unfiltered material. The middle plate is interposed between the top plate and bottom plate and supports a meshed surface in order to strain oversized particles therefrom. The filter element is designed such that the axial length between the first outlet of the top plate and the middle plate is less than the axial length between the middle plate and the second outlet. The filter member of the middle plate is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the flow of material passing through the first outlet such that the approximate entire surface of the middle plate is used in the filtering process.

2008-11-27

20080290048

PLASMA SEPARATION DEVICE AND METHOD THEREOF - A device and method thereof for at least partially fractioning or separating fluid from higher density and/or solid particles contained in liquid samples are disclosed. The present invention provides a movable or drivable device having a flow path defined by inner and outer wall surfaces and arranged such that the flow velocity of the liquid sample along the outer wall surface is higher than the flow velocity along the opposite inner wall surface. The flow path provides elements to at least delay the flow of the liquid sample along the outer wall surface. The device is, e.g., suitable for the separation of blood, e.g., of plasma from at least red blood cells, and from red and white blood cells to achieve blood plasma with high purity for analytical reasons.

2008-11-27

20080290049

Methods for Separating Slurry Components - The invention relates to methods for separating slurry components. In particular, the invention relates to the concentration of polymer particles in a slurry from the polymerization of C

2008-11-27

20080290050

Device, Kit to Filter Bone Marrow Aspirate - The present invention refers to a filtering device for bone marrow aspirate, a kit comprising said filtering device, a method to obtain a biocompatible material enriched with progenitor cells, the material per se obtained from said method and to the use of said material for bone treatment, both in humans and animals.

2008-11-27

20080290051

Standalone open frame - A standalone open frame of an apparatus in one example is configured to support a rack-mount electronic component of a predetermined size selected from any of a plurality of predetermined sizes. The standalone open frame is configured to securely engage the rack-mount electronic component through employment of at least one set of rack-mount adapters that is configured for the predetermined size of the rack-mount electronic component.

2008-11-27

20080290052

Apparatus and Method for Housing Electronic Equipment and Increasing Floor Space Utilization in a Secure Environment - A secure electronic equipment rack allows electronic equipment to be hung vertically to save space for deep components. This is done by providing a vertical rack apparatus with horizontal side panels on which components are mounted vertically. The side panels of the rack are shorter than the depth of the components to be mounted on, to, or within the panels, thus allowing space to be saved. The rack can be expanded based on user's equipment growth. The apparatus can be mounted on a wall or on a standard EIA relay rack. The apparatus has cable management for equipment that fits into wire channels and allows having a patch panel mounted without taking up a “U” space in the apparatus itself. The apparatus can include a built-in level for ease of mounting, and an integrated earth grounding stud. A secure version can include tamper resistance by adding baffling of ventilation areas, for example in both top and bottom vent patterns, and can be designed to be assembled in an overlapping fashion which allows no exposed hardware with the last piece to be assembled being the first to be removed in sequence.

2008-11-27

20080290053

Firewood rack - A firewood rack that comprises a frame and base. Within the frame is at least one cross bar to add support. Along the sides of the frame is a stabilizer pin assembly that comprises a sleeve, nail and a winged nut. Within the sleeve is a nail. The sleeve has a hole in it so as to receive a winged nut. The winged nut can loosen and tighten to hold the nail in place. This adds stability to the firewood rack and holds it in place. Additionally, there is a holding pin at the top of the frame that allows a rope to be tied to the holding pin to hold the frame in place. A brace is provided to connect the frame and base so as to add additional stability.

2008-11-27

20080290054

Utensil storage stand - This invention has to do with a utensil storage stand, which comprises a preferably planar base, a column extending away from the base, and a distal end on the column, with utensil engaging means comprising radially extending spokes with support hooks for engaging utensils stored on the stand. The distal end with hooked spokes is rotatably mounted with respect to an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base. The radial support spokes preferably have support apertures and hooks so that utensils may be stored and efficiently positioned on the storage stand.

2008-11-27

20080290055

SHOWER CADDY - A shower caddy system comprising a caddy having vertically stacked rows of trays declined toward a mounting surface and mounting tabs which are removably secured to a mounting bracket attached to the mounting surface.

2008-11-27

20080290056

Stackable Tray and Inventory System with Stackable Trays - Disclosed herein is an inventory system with stackable trays that permits access to individual trays. The inventory system comprises an upright pole having a top and bottom, a support attached to the bottom of the pole, and at least two stackable trays, each tray having a fastening device to engage a back of the tray to the pole, wherein when a tray is moved away from the pole, the fastening device disengages the pole, and when a tray is pushed toward the pole, the fastening device can engage the pole. Also disclosed is a stackable tray. Also disclosed is method for removing a lower stacked tray from underneath a higher stacked tray.

2008-11-27

20080290057

Railway Car Loading Rack - A loading rack includes at least one support structure having a plurality of support legs; at least one shelf support disposed in connection with each of the at least one support structures; at least one shelf having a surface disposed in connection with each of the shelf supports; and at least one base disposed in connection with each of the at least one support structures and opposite each of the shelf supports, wherein the loading rack supports a vertical load of no less than about 6,000 pounds.

2008-11-27

20080290058

Railroad car draft gear - A railroad car draft gear including a housing having an open end with a friction clutch assembly arranged in operable combination therewith. An elongated elastomeric spring assembly is disposed within the housing for storing energy during axial compression of the draft gear. A spring seat is arranged within the housing between the spring assembly and an end portion of each friction member forming part of the friction clutch assembly. The spring seat defines a surface, arranged in contacting relation with an end of the spring assembly, and defining at least one incongruity for allowing the elastomer of the spring assembly to combine therewith so as to establish a mechanical bond between the spring assembly and the spring seat.

2008-11-27

20080290059

Multi flavor beverage bottle - A multi flavor beverage bottle comprises a plurality of flavor packets wherein each flavor packet has an outer layer and an inner layer forming a void therebetween. A lance is perpendicularly interposed between the outer layer and inner layer of each flavor packet wherein the lance further comprises a tapered end for piercing a sidewall of the beverage bottle when the lance is compressed. Webbing is secured between each flavor packet so that the inner layer of the plurality of flavor packets is contiguously secured, to the sidewall of the beverage bottle. Flavoring liquid is contained within each flavor packet so that upon piercing the sidewall of the beverage bottle the flavoring liquid is in fluid communication with the unfavored liquid of the beverage bottle and provides a flavor to the liquid contained therein.

2008-11-27

20080290060

Closure - In the case of a closure for a container having a content, in particular a bottle or the like made from plastic, glass or the like, with a cap, in particular made of plastic, for sealing connection to a neck of the container, which neck has an edge, with at least one knife edge, which is arranged around a central axis of the cap in the region of the clear width of the neck and is intended for severing a sealing foil, which is sealed onto the edge, during axial displacement of the at least one knife edge through the sealing foil, a screw cap which can be screwed onto and can be unscrewed from the cap is provided, during the screwing-on of which the at least one knife edge can be displaced in the direction of the sealing foil, wherein this screw cap has an initial screwing position, in which the sealing foil is still undamaged, and, after further screwing, an end-stop screwing position, in which the sealing foil is pierced by the at least one knife edge. The screw cap has a pouring and/or drinking opening in the manner of a sports cap. An axial plunger which has the at least one knife edge is arranged centrally between the cap and the screw cap and is guided displaceably in a coaxial guide of the transverse wall of the cap.

2008-11-27

20080290061

Capsule Closure - The invention relates to a capsule closure, the cap of which comprises a receptacle (

2008-11-27

20080290062

OXIDATION SUPPRESSING STOPPER FOR WINE - A stopper and method for its use for selectively retaining a liquid, such as wine, within a bottle and for minimizing oxidation of the bottle's contents. The stopper includes a head portion sized to reside external to the bottle opening and a neck portion sized to fit and be selectively retained within the neck of the bottle. The stopper further has an inert gas entry port for receiving a source of pressurized inert gas and for introducing the inert gas proximate the meniscus of the liquid in the bottle and a gas venting port for discharging gas from the bottle upon the introduction of inert gas thereto. The stopper is provided with a plurality of seals substantially preventing liquid from passing through the stopper when the neck portion is seated within the bottle opening.

2008-11-27

20080290063

INTEGRAL LABEL HANDLE - This invention relates to an integrated label and handle and method of application whereby an elastic sleeve is applied around a sidewall of a container, such as a large PET bottle, resulting in an integrated label and handle extending therefrom.

2008-11-27

20080290064

METHOD FOR FORMING SAPPHIRE MICRO-LENS IN LED PROCESS - A method for forming a micro-lens on a sapphire substrate in an LED process. In the method for forming the micro-lens on the sapphire substrate in the LED process, the ratio of source power and bias power used to generate plasma into a chamber is set to the optimum ratio of 3:1 in order to minimize the burning phenomenon of a photoresist mask caused by plasma having strong potential when a conventional micro-lens is formed. In essence, plasma having low potential energy can be realized in RIE etch used to form the micro-lens on the sapphire substrate, thereby minimizing the burning phenomenon of the photoresist mask. A yield rate can be improved in the LED process.

MICROSTRUCTURE, PATTERN MEDIUM AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING SAME - It is an object to provide a microstructure having cylindrical microdomains oriented in the film thickness direction and arranged in a regular pattern, for which a microphase separation phenomenon of a block copolymer is utilized. The process for producing the microstructure includes 2 steps; the first step for arranging, on a substrate (

2008-11-27

20080290068

Arc chute and circuit breaker equipped with one such arc chute - An arc chute comprising an arc extinguishing chamber formed by a stack of deionizing plates and an arc formation chamber bounded by a first and second flange, said arc chute being equipped with permanent magnets arranged behind at least the first flange, in which the arc formation chamber comprises:

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING MULTI-PITCH FLASHING - A method for manufacturing lead flashing for a roof pipe is disclosed. A lead pipe is straightened and then pushed into a frictionally engaged knurled clamp. Pressure is applied between a knurled head of a knurler and the inner surface of the lead pipe and the knurler is rotating about the inner surface of the lead pipe. This causes the lead pipe to conform to the knurles of the knurled clamp and the knurled head, while causing a portion of the lead pipe extending beyond the knurled clamp to be contoured and swaged into a flange. At a multi-position horizontally positioned rotatable table, the flange of the knurled lead pipe is flattened to overlap a flat lead sheet having a hole cut from its center. The knurled lead pipe flange and flat lead sheet are arc-welded together with a TIG weld gun. After welding, the finished lead pipe flashing is moved onto a packaging feed conveyor via a vacuum lifter.

2008-11-27

20080290071

METHOD FOR DETERMINING WIRE SUPPORTING POINT IN WIRE-CUT ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINE AND MEASURING MEMBER FOR PRACTICING THE SAME - A measuring member having a conical section with a known vertex angle is inserted into a guide hole through a trumpet-shaped inner surface (wire guiding surface) formed by rotating a convex about the axis of the guide hole. Then, the surface of the conical section of the measuring member stops at the point of tangential contact with the inner surface. The point at which the wire electrode is supported, measured from the reference wire supporting point, can be determined from the height of a specific point on the measuring member in the stopped state and the distance from this specific point to the vertex of the conical section of the measuring member.

2008-11-27

20080290072

Welding torch handle - In accordance with one embodiment, the present technique relates to a welding torch handle that has an unenclosed slot extending from one end thereof. This unenclosed slot provides a mechanism through which insulated signal leads of a conductor can extend from the interior of the handle to connect with a trigger disposed outside the handle. As one advantage, the unenclosed nature of the slot facilitates this coupling without the need for threading of the leads, which can damage the leads.